The Monroe School District and partners from throughout the community have joined together to improve security in the district’s facilities in a short period of time. It’s been a comprehensive effort that is appreciated and deserves recognition.
Greater security at our schools and public buildings is a constant focus as incidents across the globe have sadly been reported in recent days.
In Brazil on the morning of March 13, two hooded teenagers killed six people before taking their own lives at a school. A week ago, a mass shooting in New Zealand left 50 dead. Among the victims were a 14-year-old footballer; a 16-year-old, who called his mother moments before he died; and a 3-year-old, who was separated from his father as shooting began.
Details of loss of human life in a public place of gathering sadly aren’t exactly jarring for most U.S. citizens. Mass shootings are taking more lives than ever in the history of this country. Students have been greatly impacted. From Sandy Hook Elementary School to Umpqua Community College to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to Santa Fe High School, citizens have become used to seeing deaths that have resulted from someone walking into a building with weapons.
Last March, Rick Waski, the Monroe schools district administrator, wrote an editorial for the Monroe Times in which he made it clear that safety and security were a top priority among the district school buildings. It was written roughly one month after the tragedy in Parkland, Florida, where a teen gunman killed 17 people and wounded another 14.
“No school district is truly prepared for such a heinous event,” Waski wrote.
Recent measures taken by school officials in Monroe, however, help the district address safety gaps that existed just one year ago.
With the help of state money to bolster school security, the district moved quickly to more fully secure its buildings. The district has improved security with alarms and new procedures. The district continues to assess its best practices to provide for student safety.
During a meeting April 2018, Waski announced that even without state safety funding, the school would implement measures to improve security at building entrances.
For example, the school launched a new visitor ID management system March 18 called “Raptor ID,” a check-in procedure that runs a visitor’s photo identification through a security check prior to entry to the school when students are present.
One of the biggest changes may involve additional law enforcement presence in the schools.
The Monroe School Board and the City of Monroe are working together toward hiring a School Resource Officer. The position has been discussed by officials for months from both groups, and the proposal is currently being supported by district administration, the police department and council and school board members.
They all agree an SRO’s main purpose would be to serve as a conduit for prevention through early response and behavior. The school district would pay 60 percent of the full-time wages and benefits for the officer and the officer would return to work for the department in the months when school is out.
While details haven’t been finalized, what has been presented to date appears to be a clear “win-win” for the community. At the council meeting where the SRO position was discussed, Kelley said the Monroe Police Department was down one officer more than preferred at the department and advocated for a new hire. Much thought has gone into the post, since several officials have said that whomever lands the position would be someone who could foster a positive connection with students in the community.
Some may be hesitant to send their children to school knowing an armed officer is walking the halls, some may embrace it as much needed additional security; overall, the benefits are significant. Officials have noted the candidate for the SRO position will work closely with district administration to follow conduct similar to educators and administrators. An SRO won’t just be walking the halls; they will be a presence at assorted public events at the schools.
Strengthening relationships between students and law enforcement — humanizing those behind the badge — and adding another safety option to the five Monroe school buildings deserves the public’s support.
The School District of Monroe and City of Monroe officials who have voted in favor of creating the position have acted to make a positive difference. This is an opportune time for the district and the city to work together to make the schools and the city safer. All involved in this comprehensive, pro-active effort deserve gratitude for improving school security in Monroe.
